Cash is out there, Norfolk charity boss tells community groups

A Norfolk charity has offered hope to community groups struggling for cash in the face of government and local authority cuts – with the message that there is money out there.

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Bosses at the Norfolk Community Foundation said the county is actually in a fortunate position because so many donors and organisations recognised early in the recession that it was important to keep giving.

And that, says the charity, means that money is available from a whole host of funding streams, with bosses urging groups to apply for the cash.

Foundation director Graham Tuttle said: “There’s a perception out there that there are fewer funding options available to community groups than there used to be but that isn’t necessarily the case in Norfolk.

“We understand that larger charities and projects often face a different set of challenges but many of the smaller and medium-sized community groups may be missing out on funding they could access, simply because they don’t realise it’s there or that they could be eligible for it.”

With councils, whose finances are under pressure because of the squeeze from central government, having to cut the number of grants they provide, the foundation is increasingly becoming a first port of call for funding help.

But Mr Tuttle said: “As a county we are very lucky. Many donors recognised early on in the recession that it was important to keep giving as the pressure on community groups increased.

“That was exactly what happened, and as a result the Foundation is now able to help support more community groups and quality projects.

“For groups who were unsure if they should apply my message to them would be that there’s never been a better time – we’d love to hear from them.”

To check deadlines and eligibility, find out how your community group can benefit, or to speak to a grants officer at the Foundation call 01603 623958 email grants@norfolkfoundation.com or visit www.norfolkfoundation.com